4 August 2014The recent ruling to protect the rooibos trademark under Geographical Indicators (GI) framework of South Africa’s intellectual property (IP) laws is a major step in protecting South African products and promoting economic growth and competitiveness.

NEWS

More scientific evidence for the anti-diabetic potential of Rooibos

A team of South African researchers has found more evidence suggesting rooibos may be beneficial in countering diabetes. Details of the study and a summary of other studies pointing to rooibos’ glucose-moderating effects follow below. According to the World Health Organisation by 2030 439 million people will suffer from diabetes, with the major increase happening in developing countries.

A new in vitro study in mouse cells suggests that Rooibos could inhibit the development of fat cells, or adipocytes, if the active compounds are able to reach pre-adipocytes (immature fat cells). The study, which was a collaboration between the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), has been accepted for publication and is currently in press in Phytomedicine(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711313003140)

In a three-year study supported by the SA Rooibos Council (2009 – 2011) Prof Lizette Joubert and her team at the Nietvoorbij Research Institute of Agricultural Research Council looked at the variation in phenolic content and antioxidant activity of fermented Rooibos tea, and how this is affected by different production seasons and quality grades.

This is the 3rd edition of the South African Rooibos Council’s Newsletter – a tool to keep our members and stakeholders up to date on developments in the industry, specifically the activities of the Council.